A schoolgirl is "over the moon" thanks to a good samaritan who bought her a new bike after hers was stolen.

Last week we reported how Sylvia Loates had been left heartbroken when her bike was taken from outside Rose Street Primary School.

The theft was even more upsetting for the family as 10-year-old Sylvia had bought the £150 bike with money left to her by her late grandmother, after whom she is named.

After the paper hit the streets, we had a phone call from a generous man from Rushenden who wanted to help.

He met Sylvia and her mum Zena, of Vincent Gardens, Sheerness, at Vandal Bikes in the town, where she picked out a new one.

Zena, 39, said: "I'm flabbergasted. There are some really nice people out there that know how much a bike means to a child.

"All I can is thank you so very, very much.

"Sylvia is over the moon and has written a thank-you note."

In the note, Sylvia said the man had made her very happy and that he was kind, like her grandparents.